§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he collates on the average price of petrol paid by motorists in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland; when he last discussed fuel prices with major companies 254W supplying petrol to Northern Ireland retail outlets; and if he will make representations to reduce the price paid by Northern Ireland motorists at petrol stations. [80807]
§ Mr. PearsonThe Department of Trade and Industry obtains, on a weekly basis from petroleum suppliers, the average UK price charged for petrol on the forecourts. DTI provides this information to the European Commission. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment does not collate separate information.
I have not currently had discussions with major companies supplying petrol to Northern Ireland retailers. The level of pricing is a commercial decision taken by the companies in the petrol supply industry. Unless there is evidence of "price fixing" Government cannot intervene in those commercial decisions.